Chris Young

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has no intention of selling Sunderland target Adnan Januzaj, even if he is allowed to leave on loan.

Sunderland remain hopeful of signing Januzaj on a season-long loan, to provide a much-needed boost to Dick Advocaat’s attacking options.

As the Echo reported last week, Advocaat and van Gaal have provisionally agreed for the 20-year-old to join Sunderland once United complete the £20million signing of Barcelona’s Pedro, although Januzaj himself would have to agree to the move.

Januzaj wasn’t included in the United squad for their opening day win against Spurs last weekend, but when asked about him today, van Gaal confirmed that the Belgian international was “not for sale” although that will not prove a concern for Sunderland who are purely looking to sign the winger for 12 months.

Van Gaal said: “He is doing his utmost best. All the players are. I have no complaints.”

Januzaj had addressed the speculation over his future earlier today after tweeting a one-word message of “rumours” along with an emoji of a face with tears of joy.

But Sunderland remain quietly-confident of signing Januzaj as one of two potential loan deals, with the Black Cats in talks with Liverpool to re-sign Fabio Borini.